Dear SPC Families,
Advent is here, yet Christmas seems to have already arrived all around us. Society makes Advent even more complicated by the commercial Christmas season that begins immediately after the Halloween costumes are put away. How do we help our children learn that Advent, a season of preparing their hearts for the joy of Jesus, is not simply a month of Christmas activities but rather a period of waiting and yearning for the birth of Jesus and preparing our hearts for the light of the world?
To be fully transparent, sometimes I am not the most patient person. I look forward to having a full house of family and friends on Christmas Day. I love family traditions and look forward to all the activities that go with the Christmas Season. The season of Advent is a struggle for me; I just want to get to the fun, family, and celebration of the birth of Jesus. I want to run to the light before reflecting in the darkness. Each year I prayerfully recommit myself to being present in the weeks of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace to work on truly reflecting on the light of Jesus in my life. As Catholic educators, one gift we give our children is to allow them to learn and wait for their friend, Jesus. Each year as a school, we do not begin our Christmas celebrations until the last week of school before the break; teachers will focus on Advent rather than the secular and commercial nature of Christmas. I have included some resources that may assist you at home with being present in Advent before fast forwarding to the presents on Christmas Day, for only out of the darkness do we truly understand the joy and gift of the light!
Advent Resources for Home:
https://www.catholicicing.com/advent-and-christmas-with-kid/
https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/advent/activities/advent-activities-for-all/
Please Keep our 8th Graders in your Prayers:
Our 8th graders are taking their high school entrance exams at local Catholic High Schools this Saturday. This is a big day as they begin to think about their transition to high school. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers! They will gather tomorrow morning to have a breakfast together sponsored by the room moms and will wear their new high school sweatshirts or colors to celebrate preparing to graduate in the Spring!
Computer Issue Update:
Yesterday I emailed families in grades 3-8 with possible concerns about the Chromebooks and the more-than-usual pop-ups appearing. At no time did the pops ups contain inappropriate information or images. Out of an abundance of caution, we contacted our firewall support team to thoroughly investigate the situation and ensure the safety of our system. They have reiterated that there was NO breach of our servers. The culprit—-World Cup Soccer! Our students were accessing sites to see the updated scores of games, and the pop-ups were not disabled. Given that the sites were in no way inappropriate, our firewall system did not flag them.
Tomorrow is Spirit Wear Day!
Students may come in spirit wear
Cold Weather Recess – How Do We Decide Whether to Go Out or Stay Inside?
Winter has definitely arrived, and with that comes the eternal question, “will recess be inside or outside?” It is always our priority to have kids get some time to run around and have some fresh air during the day, but we have a system and chart we use to make that determination. Please make sure to send your child with the outerwear necessary to go outside. The chart we use is below.
https://www.c-uphd.org/documents/wellness/weatherwatch.pdf
Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh
SPC Home & School Association
Scholastic Book Fair December 2nd, 4th, and 5th
It’s Time! The Scholastic Book Fair is here YAY!. Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them to become Bolder, Prouder, and Stronger Readers. AND—as always—every book they buy earns rewards for our school.
Here’s what you need to know about the Fair, which will take place from Friday, December 2nd through Tuesday, December 6th in Room 203 of the Upper Grade Center:
- We will accept cash, checks (made out to SPC), credit cards, or eWallets. Families can create an eWallet by clicking HERE or through our Book Fair website.
- Visit our Book Fair homepage to view digital flyers, learn more, and get started with eWallet, and online shopping: St. Paul of the Cross Scholastic Book Fair
- The students will be visiting the book fair with their class during the school day.
- Scholastic Book Fair Classroom Schedule
The Scholastic Book Fair dates and times for families are:
- Friday, December 2nd from 3:00 - 4:00
- Sunday, December 4th from 10:00 - 1:30
- Monday, December 5th from 3:00 - 4:00
It’s not too late to volunteer. Click HERE to sign up for a volunteer slot! We can’t wait to see your child at the Fair!
Mrs. Sue Dohr
St. Paul of the Cross’s Book Fair Chair
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Faculty Gift Fund
Hello, SPC Families!
With the holidays just around the corner, Home and School Association has begun collecting contributions for the Faculty Fund. The Faculty Fund is a school-wide collection of monetary gifts which is then equitably divided among all SPC full time faculty, part time faculty, administrative and support staff. In previous years, families have donated $75-$100 per family, however, the FACTS form allows for you to contribute any amount with which you are comfortable.
The link to the form below will be open through Friday, December 16th at Noon. Gifts will be distributed to our incredible SPC faculty on Wednesday, December 21st.
If you have any questions, please contact Home and School Association at [email protected]net.
Portillo's Restaurant Nights
It's that time of year again! Sign up early, because only 48 vehicles can register for each of the movies. Popcorn will be served to each attendee and we may even have some special surprise guests stop by!
Winter Workshops at Bellosa Counseling Over Christmas Break
Check out the workshops by clicking here.
Roundball 2023! Save the Dates March 5 – 12, 2023 
Girl Scouts
Please download the flyer by clicking on this flyer.
Please read all about Warm Hearts 4 Kids
FAQ Troop 45534 Project Warm Hearts 4 Kids
FROM THE PARISH
We have an active and vibrant parish and encourage everyone to read the weekly bulletins for Fr. James' weekly letter and stay informed about all upcoming events and programs.
Please click here for the latest bulletin.
Please click here for Fr. James' "The Daily" - Daily Mass Readings and Reflections
From the Community
For more information, go to www.parkridgehistorycenter.
Announcements From Our Catholic High Schools
Attention 7th & 8th Grade Band Students
